The First Institute of Oceanography (FIO) and the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) invite applications for the post of Executive Director of the International CLIVAR (Climate and Ocean - 
Variability, Predictability, and Change) Project Office, based in Qingdao, China.

Background

CLIVAR is a core project of WCRP (www.wcrp-climate.org). The goal of CLIVAR is to improve understanding and prediction of ocean-atmosphere interactions and their influence on climate variability and change, to the benefit of society and the environment. In order to achieve this goal, CLIVAR has supporting objectives: 1) Understand the causes of climate variability on intra-seasonal to centennial time-scales through observations, analysis, and modeling. 2) Improve predictions of climate variability and change associated with both internal and external processes. 3) Extend observational climate record through assembly of quality-controlled data sets. 4) Improve the atmosphere and ocean components of Earth-System Models. Further details may be found on http://www.clivar.org.

The FIO, located in Qingdao, China, is a comprehensive research institute engaged in both basic and applied research in oceanography and marine related science and technology. It is responsible for supporting the development of high-tech industries, advancing marine science and technology, providing technical supports and research services in the area of marine resources management, national marine protection, public service, marine economic development and marine safety.

The International CLIVAR Project Office (ICPO) consists of three nodes that report to the Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that the various offices are working together in a strategic manner and that overlaps and gaps in the office activities are minimized. They will also assist in networking of CLIVAR activities with the rest of WCRP, and identifying future opportunities for support and networking of the three nodes with the CLIVAR/WCRP network of researchers and sponsors.

The three nodes consist of the:

International CLIVAR Global Project Office  (ICGPO) in Qingdao China

International CLIVAR Monsoon Project Office (ICMPO) in Pune, India

ICPO Deputy Director based in Southampton, UK

The Executive Director works closely with the CLIVAR governing bodies (Scientific Steering Group (SSG), its Chairs and the Executive Committee), panels and working groups. The scope of work will include contributions to fulfillment of CLIVAR scientific priorities as a part of the WCRP’s objectives and goals. Further, the Executive Director will be responsible for:

updating the CLIVAR project documents and plans

preparing meetings and project-related events and reports

ensuring the coordination and the timely flow of pertinent information for WCRP-affiliated scientists, projects and relevant international scientific bodies

participation in sessions of the CLIVAR SSG and relevant meetings of other national and international bodies, represent the projects at meetings and other activities

promoting CLIVAR objectives in the oceanographic, climate and broader science communities

seeking sources of maintaining adequate funding for CLIVAR activities

fulfilling other duties as required or requested by CLIVAR governing bodies and WCRP

The CLIVAR Project Office serves as an extension of the WCRP Joint Planning Staff, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The Executive Director reports to the Executive Director of WCRP on WCRP and CLIVAR programmatic activities and to the FIO on issues related to management and funding of the office, as well as day-to-day operations of the office and its staff. The Executive Director is an ex-officio member for the CLIVAR Executive Committee and will be responsible for the follow-up and coordination of all CLIVAR-related actions/activities resulting from meetings of CLIVAR governing body and the Joint Scientific Committee for WCRP.

Qualifications

Candidates should hold at least an MSc in oceanography, climate or closely relate field.

In addition, we are looking for the following skills and experience:

a broad knowledge of Earth system science, including the subfields of climate and oceanography;

the ability to communicate effectively with a range of project stake-holders, including scientists, students, science policy experts, data and information managers, funding agencies, and managers of scientific programmes and institutes;

previous involvement and experience in the organization of multi-disciplinary scientific projects;

leadership skills through experience in managing teams;

ability to lead a team responsible for supporting an international scientific project (e.g. the provision of secretariat support for meetings, producing reports of meetings an project plans, ensuring a timely flow of information to stakeholders through publications and web-based systems, organizing and supporting international conferences, work with budget/resources);

readiness to work with national/international sources and associated processes for funding scientific programmes and technical projects;

ability to communicate publicly and promote CLIVAR and WCRP internationally

Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English are required. Ability in other languages, particularly Chinese, would be an asset.

General

The work place is the First Institute of Oceanography of the State Oceanographic Administration of China, located in Qingdao, China. The salary will be commensurate with the qualifications of the successful candidate, in the range of 600,000 to 680,000 RMB, depending on experience. A modest relocation allowance is available. All salaries are subject to Chinese income tax.  International travel will be required. The position is open from 1st October 2016. The position will be available until at least June 2019 and renewed on an annual basis.

Further inquiries about the position may be directed to WCRP Senior Scientific Officer Michael Sparrow, e-mail: msparrow@wmo.int, or head of the International Cooperation Center of FIO Yafeng Yang,  yyfsoa@hotmail.com

The application deadline is 30th May 2016. The application must include a covering letter summarizing details of your relevant qualifications and experience, a CV and the names and contact information of three references and should be sent to Ms. Lina Kang (lina.kang@clivar.org)